VERTICAL CHALLENGE TO CURE BLOOD CANCER
Ski. Raise Money. Cure Blood Cancer.
Folks who know Team Chen already know the back story. Our youngest son Tristan Chen was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in May 2022. Tristan’s AML was not the same as Tatiana Schlossberg's rare, incurable Inversion 3 mutation. But, his case was also very rare and seemingly incurable. Luckily, his oncologist used breakthrough research and treatments - funded by Blood Cancer United - to save his life. Tristan was back to being an elite rock climber within 9 months and has since added ceramic artist to his repertoire. To give back, I joined the Blood Cancer Board in New England.
Last ski season I dreamt up the Vertical Challenge to Cure Blood Cancer. Simple goal: ski 100 vertical miles, build awareness, and raise as much money as I can. I ended the season at 125 miles (660,000 vertical feet, about halfway to the International Space Station!) and raised $38,000. And I broke both boots the day I hit 100 miles. Go figure! This season, I'm back as Blood Cancer United's Vertical Challenge Ambassador (fancy title!) My personal goals this season are: 1) Ski at least 660,000 vertical feet...or should I shoot for 1 million? 2) Raise as much money as I can. 3) Recruit more folks to join the Vertical Challenge to Cure Blood Cancer.
Please DONATE to my campaign. OR for a more active role, JOIN Team Chen and the VERTICAL CHALLENGE TO CURE BLOOD CANCER. Skiers and snowboarders wanted! Email me at cchen@burmaroad.com to learn more.
Blood Cancer United's continued advancements over the years are responsible for the blood cancer survival rate doubling and tripling; in some cases, the survival rate has even quadrupled. To learn more about Blood Cancer United, visit https://bloodcancerunited.org/.
Thanks,
Chesley Chen, Trustee & Vert Challenge Ambassador, Blood Cancer United